CIRCUMSTANCES OF LOSSLieutenant Griffith was assigned to temporary duty as an aerial observer aboard the USS Vincennes (CA-44). In the early morning hours of 9 August, 1942, the cruiser was surprised and overwhelmed by a Japanese fleet.
Griffith is believed to have been near the ship’s hangar – possibly in his plane – when it was hit and set on fire shortly before 0200 hours. He was not seen again after the Vincennes went down. Initially listed as missing in action, he was declared dead as of 10 August 1943.